TD concerned over future of Abbeville Heritage

A Labour Party TD has called for additional protection for former taoiseach Charles Haughey's Abbeville mansion in Kinsealy, in north Dublin.

Labour's Seán Kenny said he was disappointed to hear that outbuildings on the estate had fallen into disrepair.

Abbeville was sold to Manor Park Homebuilders for a reported €45 million in 2004. The company is now in receivership and attempts to sell the property for €7.5 million have so far been unsuccessful.

Mr Kenny admitted there was a certain irony to a Labour TD calling for protection of the former taoiseach's personal mansion, but he said Abbeville was "a Gandon mansion, part of our heritage long before Mr Haughey came to it".

Planning permission for a luxury hotel and golf course granted by Fingal County Council expired last year.

"I am concerned that Abbeville House and buildings may not have sufficient planning protection," said Mr Kenny

The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage lists Abbeville as dating from 1770. It was extended about 20 years later by James Gandon, architect of the Custom House and the Four Courts.